An employee at Cedartown First United Methodist Preschool has been placed on leave while police investigate allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a 4-year-old child. The move has unsettled residents in Polk County, where the church-run center serves preschool-aged children from the surrounding community.
According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the staff member was put on leave Wednesday as Cedartown police opened their inquiry. Investigators have not identified the worker publicly and have not announced any charges, and the station reported that the probe remains active with few additional details released.
State records show the program is licensed
The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning lists Cedartown First United Methodist Preschool as a licensed child-care learning center and records recent monitoring visits for the site. The DECAL entry, last updated Wednesday, shows the program’s operating status and inspection history, including a follow-up visit in June. As listed by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning, the center appears to be licensed and open.
Police say the inquiry is active
Cedartown police have not released further details about the allegation, and no criminal charges were reported in the initial coverage, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. The station reported that investigators are still gathering information and that the employee will remain on leave while the inquiry continues.
Legal context and where to report concerns
Under Georgia law, certain professionals who work with children are required to report suspected abuse immediately, generally within 24 hours, under O.C.G.A. §19-7-5, as summarized by Justia. The Division of Family & Children Services takes reports around the clock; its child-protective hotline is 1-855-GACHILD (1-855-422-4453), according to DFCS. Local authorities say they will release more information as the investigation allows.
